Beach Houses | Room Service Interiors

Hallo everyone, sorry it has taken me so long to get back to writing, though there are still lots of subjects/posts to share so here we go!

Today’s post was inspired by a chat on the beach with a lady who was planning to build a new beach house and have it done by Christmas this year. She was serious. Assuming she had plans already under way it was disconcerting to find out she hadn’t even had the concept plans drawn up yet by an architect. Hmmm. Yes it still would be possible if she was planning on a kit set, pre fabricated type of building. However she wasn’t.

Getting plans done for a house takes time – it is a little like slow cooking, for a project to be successful and completed on time it needs to have had careful thought and preparation about needs and wants. Make a basic plan with your wishes and then cut it back budget wise to fit your project. It will take careful consideration and several visits to your architect to get it right, and it does take time, not to mention money.

Herbst Architects New Zealand

After that there is the challenge of getting the plans through council, which is never an easy or quick process. During the time spent working with architect and council you should also be looking at styles, finding out about builders, project managers, or any interior designers you want to work with. Collect together or make a scrapbook of pages of interiors/exteriors of houses that you like in order to convey to everyone who will be involved with your project what you want and like. It is a really useful tool for yourself to narrow down what you like.

House plans are the most important part of building, so you need to consider the location, lifestyle, family size, environment and budget as well as spatial, future requirements, building materials, aesthetics and local and government laws. Little details can be added later once the house layout has been done. Get yourself a professional and recommended architect who has the knowledge and expertise to outline those things you want. Once you have the plans in place the details of style, colours, etc can be done. Pinterest and Houzz are useful places to search for ideas.

So, be prepared to be patient and keep pushing ahead. Be sure to include everything you will need now and in the years to come in . You’re the project driver but be realistic about your time line. Trying to reach an unrealistic deadline will make for a stressful lead up to Christmas this year for all involved. (And a big disapointment when you are camping on a building site!) So start the planning now for Christmas 2015 is being more realistic about the outcome. With time, lots of thought in your favourite swing chair, looking at your fabulous beach view, your plans will come to fruition and your holiday home project will be a success.